When Pablo Pérez Palacios’ Mexico City–based architecture firm PPAA was tasked with building an apartment tower to meet La Colonia Roma's need for additional housing, he faced a problem familiar to developers in historic neighborhoods everywhere. The site was occupied by a dilapidated home that dates to 1925, and local laws required that the facade and part of the structure be maintained. PPAA’s innovative approach was to cut the original three-story home in half, preserving enough of the building to front the street and hold two apartments replete with classic Victorian details like high ceilings and restored millwork. In the back of the lot, they designed a sleek eight-story apartment tower that would hold an additional nine apartments, for a total of 11 units. Not bad for a site that was previously an uninhabited single-family house.
When Pablo Pérez Palacios’ Mexico City–based architecture firm PPAA was tasked with building an apartment tower to meet La Colonia Roma's need for additional housing, he faced a problem familiar to developers in historic neighborhoods everywhere. The site was occupied by a dilapidated home that dates to 1925, and local laws required that the facade and part of the structure be maintained. PPAA’s innovative approach was to cut the original three-story home in half, preserving enough of the building to front the street and hold two apartments replete with classic Victorian details like high ceilings and restored millwork. In the back of the lot, they designed a sleek eight-story apartment tower that would hold an additional nine apartments, for a total of 11 units. Not bad for a site that was previously an uninhabited single-family house.
Inspirational spaces
Inspirational spaces
A vibrant yellow pocket door adds a playful splash of color in the bathroom/laundry area on the lower level.
A vibrant yellow pocket door adds a playful splash of color in the bathroom/laundry area on the lower level.
British artist Hannah Sawtell and technologist Avi Flombaum created sawbaum.com, where users can create visual collages using multiple vine streams. "We wanted it to look like a visual comic book, with overlapping panels," said Flombaum. "And we wanted it to be fun!" Photo courtesy Rhizome.
British artist Hannah Sawtell and technologist Avi Flombaum created sawbaum.com, where users can create visual collages using multiple vine streams. "We wanted it to look like a visual comic book, with overlapping panels," said Flombaum. "And we wanted it to be fun!" Photo courtesy Rhizome.
A small terrace outfitted with an H55 easy chair by Björn Hultén offers a view of the San Francisco Bay.
A small terrace outfitted with an H55 easy chair by Björn Hultén offers a view of the San Francisco Bay.
Illustration via drawastickman.com.
Illustration via drawastickman.com.
The cabin’s concept was simple: To create a cabin that is small and sparse yet spatially rich. The 55-square-meter (592-square-foot) cabin, commissioned by a private client and completed in 2016, comprises a large living room, bedroom, ski room, and small annex with a utility room. It functions off the water and electricity grids.
The cabin’s concept was simple: To create a cabin that is small and sparse yet spatially rich. The 55-square-meter (592-square-foot) cabin, commissioned by a private client and completed in 2016, comprises a large living room, bedroom, ski room, and small annex with a utility room. It functions off the water and electricity grids.
The concept of this Scandinavian getaway was simple: To create a cabin that is small and sparse yet spatially rich. The 55-quare-meter (592-square-foot) cabin, commissioned by a private client and completed in 2016, comprises a large living room, bedroom, ski room, and small annex with a utility room. It functions off the water and electricity grids.
The concept of this Scandinavian getaway was simple: To create a cabin that is small and sparse yet spatially rich. The 55-quare-meter (592-square-foot) cabin, commissioned by a private client and completed in 2016, comprises a large living room, bedroom, ski room, and small annex with a utility room. It functions off the water and electricity grids.
The concept of this Scandinavian getaway was simple: To create a cabin that is small and sparse yet spatially rich. The 55-quare-meter (592-square-foot) cabin, commissioned by a private client and completed in 2016, comprises a large living room, bedroom, ski room, and small annex with a utility room. It functions off the water and electricity grids.
The concept of this Scandinavian getaway was simple: To create a cabin that is small and sparse yet spatially rich. The 55-quare-meter (592-square-foot) cabin, commissioned by a private client and completed in 2016, comprises a large living room, bedroom, ski room, and small annex with a utility room. It functions off the water and electricity grids.
A 55-inch Samsung Smart TV, a gift, is one of few indulgences.
A 55-inch Samsung Smart TV, a gift, is one of few indulgences.
One of the witticisms found on livethesheendream.com.
One of the witticisms found on livethesheendream.com.
A 55-foot nautical-themed sofa runs along one side of the pool deck.
A 55-foot nautical-themed sofa runs along one side of the pool deck.
Available for as low as $55,000, the Artist Bothy is a multipurpose, prefab hut designed to promote a creative spark in residents.
Available for as low as $55,000, the Artist Bothy is a multipurpose, prefab hut designed to promote a creative spark in residents.
At 55 Monterrey, historic details like the bay window seen here are rolled into a space that feels very modern.
At 55 Monterrey, historic details like the bay window seen here are rolled into a space that feels very modern.
A contemporary apartment tower rises behind the restored townhouse at 55 Monterrey Avenue in Mexico City's Colonia Roma neighborhood.
A contemporary apartment tower rises behind the restored townhouse at 55 Monterrey Avenue in Mexico City's Colonia Roma neighborhood.
On the exterior of the office, a mural called “Awakened Flow” by Seb Humphreys (AKA Order 55) echoes the tranquil energy of the home.
On the exterior of the office, a mural called “Awakened Flow” by Seb Humphreys (AKA Order 55) echoes the tranquil energy of the home.
Ulysses word cloud poster from beautifulwordsbeautifulart.com.
Ulysses word cloud poster from beautifulwordsbeautifulart.com.
A 55' infinity pool, hot tub, and sunken fire feature provide endless valley views
A 55' infinity pool, hot tub, and sunken fire feature provide endless valley views
Elfa by the Container Store / containerstore.com
Elfa by the Container Store / containerstore.com
Cortek Modern Planter 81-14 in GFC / No color. Retails for $14. Industry pros get an instant 15% discount. L 5.5" x W 5.5" x H 5.5" Keep it as is or make it stand out with the color you want. Exclusively at Modern-Touch Design in Los Angeles. 1525 S. La Cienega Blvd. 90035 www.ModernTouchDesign.com
Cortek Modern Planter 81-14 in GFC / No color. Retails for $14. Industry pros get an instant 15% discount. L 5.5" x W 5.5" x H 5.5" Keep it as is or make it stand out with the color you want. Exclusively at Modern-Touch Design in Los Angeles. 1525 S. La Cienega Blvd. 90035 www.ModernTouchDesign.com
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
When chilled to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Wisner said, the taste of Newton Vineyard’s Chardonnay “explodes in your mouth.”
When chilled to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Wisner said, the taste of Newton Vineyard’s Chardonnay “explodes in your mouth.”
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos
Il Carpaccio Restaurant | FJ55 Arquitetos

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